Harlan A. Samuels

Harlan Allen Samuels was born September 5, 1943, in Auburn, Washington and departed this life on February 26, 2022, at his home in Warsaw, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his wife and children, at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 21 days.

Harlan’s young life was not an easy one, he spent his first few years in Fristoe, Missouri, then he became a resident of the Drumm Farm Boy’s Home, now known as the Drumm Farm Center for Children in Independence, Missouri, where he remained until he graduated William Chrisman High School in 1961. After graduation, Harlan worked for the United State Postal Service until 1967 when he entered the United States Army. After basic training, he was sent to Vietnam where he earned the rank of Sergeant. On June 21, 1968, during a fierce battle in Vietnam, Sergeant Samuels was severely injured during a missile attack, resulting in the loss of his legs and several fingers. He was awarded a Purple Heart as well as several other medals for his heroic actions during this battle. After months of hospitalizations and surgeries, Harlan was awarded full retirement due to his permanent disability.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Harlan worked for a brief time for the U.S.D.A. in Kansas City before deciding to travel throughout the United States and several other countries. He thoroughly enjoyed his travels, but eventually returned to Missouri. Harlan lived several places after he returned to Missouri, including having a home in Eagle Rock, Missouri that was surrounded by the Clark National Forest.

Harlan was an avid “outdoorsman” who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting, and teaching children how to water-ski. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. It was a well-known fact that Harlan was a “compulsive dish-washer”, grabbing dishes from the table at family gatherings and hand washing them, even if there was an actual dishwasher available.

Harlan was an active member of American Legion Post #217 and Elks Lodge #2783 both of Warsaw, Missouri, and the V.F.W.

Harlan was preceded in death by one son, Gary Allen (Bo) Samuels; one brother, Gary “Sam” Samuels and one sister, Rose Mary Samuels.

He is survived by his wife, Dena Samuels of the home; three sons, Larry Gann and wife Paula of Verona, Missouri, Wayne Gann and wife JoAnn of Arlington, Tennessee, and Bryan Hyatt of Garden City, Missouri; three daughters, Tammy Samuels of Independence, Missouri, Tina Carter of Garden City, Missouri, and Heidi Schmidt and husband Jason of Sedalia, Missouri; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives, and many friends.

The family of Harlan Allen Samuels will host a Celebration of Life with Full Military Honors, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the American Legion Post #217, 32739 Wildcat Drive, Warsaw, Missouri 65355, with Mr. Bill Roberts officiating. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army and American Legion Post #217 Honor Guard of Warsaw, Missouri.

Contributions, in memory of Harlan Allen Samuels, are suggested to Veterans Community Project, 8900 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri or may be made online at www.veteranscommunityproject.org